A mountainous landscape with a view on a town in the distance

Barend Cornelis Koekkoek writes in his celebrated 'Herinneringen en Mededeelingen eenen Landschapschilder' that: 'Goud mag niet de drijfveer zijn, die den schilder gretig naar zijne penseelen en verwen doet grijpen. Liefde alleen moet hem hiertoe aansporen. De kunst is heilig: liefde alleen is met het heilige bestaanbaar.' The present painting is a fine example of this love for art and was painted in 1854 when Barend Cornelis had already established himself as an internationally acclaimed artist. His style had matured by then, and every aspect of the present lot is well thought-through. Via the group of figures in the foreground, the artist focusses our attention to the castle and the city in the distance. The hay-cart a bit further down the path emphasises the direction the artist wants the eye to take.

Koekkoek's early drawings from 1830 onwards reveal the extent to which he was influenced by the Italianists. It is known that Koekkoek was in the possession of prints after, for example, Nicolaes Berchem (1620-1683). Over the years it became a characteristic feature of Koekkoeks work to add both Italianate staffage to his realistically rendered landscapes, as well as an Italianate golden-toned light so compellingly radiant in the present lot.

We kindly thank drs. Guido the Werd for confirming the authenticity of the present work after firsthand examination. The painting will be included in drs. Guido de Werd's forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné as no. BCK 54/29.5.